Coach
Dave Canales
Head Coach
Dave Canales: facts drawn from the play-by-play.
Two seasons as Panthers HC. From 5-12 in 2024 to 8-9 (and a playoff trip!) in 2025.
TrendCanales head-coaching record
| Year | Tm | W | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CAR | 5 | 12 |
| 2025 | CAR | 8 | 9 |
Wins by year
| Season | Wins |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 8 |
Won the NFC South in 2025 — Carolina's first division title since 2017.
MilestoneNFC South 2025 final standings
| Team | W |
|---|---|
| Carolina | 8 (won by tiebreaker) |
| Atlanta | 8 |
| Tampa Bay | 8 |
| New Orleans | 6 |
Career: 13 wins in 2 seasons. 38.2% career winning rate is below average — but the trajectory is upward.
ComparisonCareer totals through 2025
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 2 |
| Wins | 13 |
| Losses | 21 |
| Win % | 38.2% |
| Playoff trips | 1 |
Canales came from being TB's offensive coordinator in 2023 — where he helped revive Baker Mayfield's career.
SplitCanales career arc
| Phase | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| SEA assistant | 2010-2022 | Multiple roles |
| TB OC | 2023 | Mayfield revival |
| CAR HC | 2024-25 | Bryce Young development |
He's the first HC to take a team to the playoffs at 8-9 since the 2010 Seahawks (7-9, won NFC West).
RareSub-.500 division winners (since 2010)
| Year | Team | W-L |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Seattle | 7-9 |
| 2014 | Carolina | 7-8-1 |
| 2022 | Tampa Bay | 8-9 |
| 2025 | Carolina | 8-9 |
His 2025 Panthers offense was below average (-0.039 EPA, 26th) — yet he won the division. Defensive opportunism made the difference.
AnomalyCAR 2025 EPA per play
| Side | EPA/play | NFL Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | -0.039 | 26 |
| Defense | +0.067 | 23 |
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